Awareness Campaign to Take Over Christopher Street Station for International Transgender Day of Visibility

PRESS CONTACT
Ken Lustbader, NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project
(917) 848-1776 / [email protected]

Awareness Campaign to Take Over Christopher Street Station for International Transgender Day of Visibility

‘Voice of the Subway’ Bernie Wagenblast hosts limited-series podcast featuring Callen-Lorde, NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project and other notables

Media Availability Planned for Friday, March 29 at 11:00 AM

NEW YORK (March 26, 2024)—A new awareness campaign, “In Transit: Guiding 2.4 million daily riders to respect trans people,” will launch at the Christopher Street-Sheridan Square station on Friday, March 29 in honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility. The campaign is inspired by ‘Voice of the Subway’ Bernie Wagenblast who came out as transgender in 2022, and her voice will be heard in the subway station in recognition of this day.

The campaign was created by AREA 23, an IPG Health company and award-winning healthcare marketing agency, with expert support from the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project, an award-winning cultural heritage initiative, and Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, a global leader in LGBTQ+ health.

The installation features posters in the Christopher Street station, a location with deep significance to the community, that raise awareness of Transgender Day of Visibility and drive riders to listen to a podcast mini-series, “InTransit,” hosted by Bernie Wagenblast and includes rotating guests. Each episode is the length of a typical subway ride and will highlight educational content related to the transgender community including gender identity, inclusive language and other relevant topics. In addition, the campaign will lead to the unveiling of a new fictional transit line in which every stop represents a real-life landmark of the trans movement in New York City. People will be able to “ride” the line via a forthcoming microsite traveling through a sampling of NYC’s trans history.

Bernie Wagenblast, Voice of the Subway:
“I know how much visibility matters and I hope, by sharing my story, folks will be reminded that transgender people are a part of their everyday life each time they hear me making an announcement.”

David Traini, Group Creative Director, AREA 23:
“This is an opportunity to share Bernie’s story as a way to help raise visibility for transgender people, celebrate their contributions and milestones while also raising awareness for the discrimination that many face around the globe. Our goal was twofold: to spotlight and support the transgender community while also fostering understanding and education among all commuters.”

Ken Lustbader, co-director of the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project:
“As we recognize Transgender Day of Visibility, it’s crucial to also understand that trans people have always existed, making their own history as they pursue healthy, safe, and joyful lives. ‘In Transit’ and the T Line have the power to introduce large numbers of New Yorkers to place-based trans history, right here in their own city. From the 19th century residence of Murray Hall to medical offices where ground-breaking care was provided as early as the 1940s, these extant sites allow for a visceral connection to an often overlooked history.”

Patrick McGovern, CEO of Callen-Lorde:
“We’re honored to be part of this creative and engaging campaign that uplifts the experiences of trans New Yorkers for International Transgender Day of Visibility,” said Patrick McGovern, CEO of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. “The resilience of the trans community has paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights across the country, and their stories deserve to be amplified and celebrated. At a time when LGBTQ+ healthcare is under attack, Callen-Lorde is proud to serve as a safe haven for queer and trans people who need knowledgeable and welcoming healthcare–as we have for more than 55 years.”

For more information please contact: [email protected] and [email protected].

About NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project
The NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project, launched in 2015 by preservation professionals, is an award-winning cultural heritage initiative and educational resource documenting and presenting historic sites connected to the LGBTQ+ community throughout New York City. Its website, including an interactive map, features over 450 diverse places from the 17th century to 2000 that are important to LGBTQ+ history and illustrate the community’s influence on NYC and American culture. The project researches and nominates LGBTQ+ sites to the National Register of Historic Places, advocates for local recognition of LGBTQ+ historic sites, conducts public programs, and disseminates its content through robust social media channels (@nyclgbtsites). Its goal is to make an invisible history visible while fostering pride and awareness.

About Callen-Lorde
Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ+ health care. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ+ communities through excellent comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay. In addition, we continuously pioneering research, advocacy and education to drive positive change for LGBTQ+ people, because we believe health care is a human right. To learn more about Callen-Lorde, please visit callen-lorde.org

About AREA 23, An IPG Health Company
Part of the IPG Health network, AREA 23 is a full-service agency focused on pushing creativity and invention in healthcare marketing to new heights. Its “What If” way of working provides a framework for breakthrough ideas that truly drive innovation and keep clients ahead of industry trends. AREA 23 has been consistently recognized with the highest industry awards and honors including three Grands Prix at Cannes Lions and “Healthcare Agency of the Year” at Cannes Lions in 2020/2021, 2022 and 2023, and “Global Pharma Agency of the Year” and “North American Regional Pharma Agency of the Year” at the 2023 London International Awards. The agency was also recognized as the #1 most creative agency in the world on The Drum’s 2023 World Creative Rankings – the first time a healthcare agency has secured the top spot in the U.S. and global leaderboards. Visit area23hc.com to learn more.